Rosie Burgin

EINDHOVEN, The Netherlands - Shimano Europe is extending its cooperation with GXO, a company that manages outsourced supply chains and warehousing, to perform logistic services across Europe. The component manufacturer will now move its warehouse operations in Belgium to GXO's facility in Venray, the Netherlands.

MALLORCA, Spain - A new event for the cycling industry will gather senior leaders, HR professionals, communications experts, and decision-makers to address the gender equity gap in the cycling workforce. The first event in the Summit Series being held in Mallorca, 25-27 March will also discuss how the cycling industry can attract, support and develop more women.

LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg - Four suspects have been arrested in The Netherlands on suspicion of large-scale customs fraud involving bicycles imported from China. The value of the alleged fraud is over €7 million.

BERLIN, January - NOCA, the Berlin-based software company pioneering master data management for the cycling industry, has added Christian Koll-Schwarze to its team as Business Development Lead. With more than 20 years of experience in the cycling industry, his role will involve positioning NOCA to transform the way cycling businesses manage their data in the OEM and aftermarket.

HAMBURG, Germany - 82% of supply chain professionals in China expect container prices to rise in January 2025, according to a survey by Container xChange. The survey also highlighted that supply chain participants are preparing for three key disruptions this year; tariffs, geopolitical risks, and structural overcapacity. These disruptions are expected to keep demand and supply dynamics volatile well into 2025 with a potential impact on the bicycle industry.

LONDON, UK - When looking for an indication of how dire the current market situation is in the bike industry, look no further than the recent financial results of folding bike manufacturer, Brompton. The renowned British manufacturer has reported a dramatic decline in profits, plummeting from £10.7 million (€ 12.9 million) to just £4,602 (€ 5,543) for the fiscal year ending March 2024.

TERNDRUP, Denmark - As part of its continued growth investments, Danish online bike retailer Cykelgear, has merged with fellow Danish e-commerce business, Cykelpartner. Although the agreement unites the two online platforms under the same corporate group, both will continue to operate as independent brands in Denmark. The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

ZEIST, The Netherlands - In late 2023, after a difficult year, industry insiders were looking hopefully towards the new year. However, predictions of inventory level recovery and stability in the market were pushed back at every contact moment during 2024; from Taipei Cycle at the beginning of the year, to Taichung Bike Week at the end. This 'hope' was abandoned in the second half of the year as insolvencies and closures began to dominate the headlines. As hopes now push forward to those that have 'survived to 2025', here, a perhaps unwelcome look back at 2024.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Giant Group will start 2025 with a new executive leadership team following the announcement that long-standing chairperson Bonnie Tu will officially retire. The Group's board of directors has approved the appointment of current CEO Young Liu as the new Chairman. The current chief branding officer Phoebe Liu has been promoted to CEO. These changes will take effect January 1, 2025.

HEERENVEEN, The Netherlands - As the market continues to be challenging, liquidity will remain a key focus of the Accell Group, according to a business update of the company published yesterday. With accounts for 2023 finalised with a 10% revenue drop, "recovery is well on track across the business," states CEO Tjeerd Jegen.